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Councilman James Benoit asked Newman to investigate complaints that Police Chief Larry Tolliver demoted officers who testified against former County Executive John R. Leopold, who resigned in February following conviction on two counts of misconduct. Leopold appointed Tolliver last summer.

Neuman issued a statement saying steps are being taken to investigate and resolve the issue.

County police spokesman Justin Mulcahy told The Capital of Annapolis that Tolliver has made a number of reassignments to improve the agency, and denied they were retaliatory or punitive.

Benoit said the complaints also included allegations of homophobic slurs by Tolliver. Mulcahy said Tolliver does not encourage negative attitudes toward homosexuality.